Piercing Aftercare
DON’T TOUCH IT IF YOU’RE NOT CLEANING IT!
You were pierced in a clean modern facility using sterile instruments. It is your responsibility after you leave to care for your piercing. If you follow these simple suggested directions, you should have a quick healing and attractive piercing. Remember, the life of your piercing is dependent on the care it receives in the first few weeks. The healing process can take several months; however, healing time varies from person to person. You may notice some redness, slight swelling, and tenderness at the site – this is to be expected but should not last longer than a few days.
Suggested Aftercare Procedure: Always wash and dry hands before touching or cleaning your new piercing!
• Swelling and mild pain is normal and natural and will vary.
• Your jewelry should be sized to accommodate cleaning and swelling.
• Never remove the jewelry to clean your new piercing.
• While healing, use a clean dry paper towel to dry the immediate area.
• Restrict contact with animals, gardening, and activities involving dusty and dirty conditions or that cause excessive sweating – clean the site thoroughly if it becomes dirty or sweaty.
• Avoid recreational water activities, soaking in a tub or spa, or using a sauna or steam room until healed.
• Showering is preferred over bathing.
Ears, Nose, Navel, Nipples, Facial or Genitals:
• While healing, clean the site as needed with a saline solution – use an over-the-counter sterile saline solution (with no additives) or make your own – apply the solution with gauze, a cotton swab, or use an inverted cup over the site.
• When using a cotton swab, roll it up and away from the site to prevent pushing contaminants into the piercing.
• When using a cup, submerge the site in the saline solution allowing any dried body fluids to soften before cleaning.
Oral:
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, or kiss for at least 1 to 2 hours after you are pierced.
• Eat soft and cold foods for the first few days – try to avoid spicy foods and dairy products!
• Try not to hit the piercing when eating with utensils.
• Rinse your mouth daily: Mornings and evenings after eating, using an antiseptic mouthwash or saline solution for at least 30 seconds.
• Brush your teeth 2 to 3 times a day – using a new toothbrush during the healing process is suggested.
E n j o y y o u r n e w p i e r c i n g !
Everyone you know has healing advice! If you have questions or concerns about aftercare, please contact your piercer. Signs of infection include, but are not limited to, the following: elevated body temperature, purulent drainage or pus from the procedure site, red streaks running toward your heart from the procedure site, significant redness, significant swelling, or tenderness. If you notice any of these symptoms or an allergic or adverse reaction occurs at your procedure site, seek medical treatment immediately.
The Hive Tattoo Collective
587 Highway 31 NW Ste E
Hartselle, Al 35640
256-387-3390